Blood ran down Julian's forehead in a thin red line, cutting through his pale skin. He stared at me like he couldn't believe what had just happened. His eyes were wide. Red. Hurt.
I stood there, frozen, still holding the ceramic vase I had swung without thinking.
"You actually… hit me…" he whispered.
Then his legs gave out.
He collapsed hard onto the floor.
My heart slammed against my ribs. My hands started shaking. I dropped the vase, the sound sharp and hollow, and rushed to Lewis.
"Are you okay?" I asked, my voice uneven as my eyes flicked back to Julian's motionless body.
Lewis glanced down once, then looked back at me. Calm. Steady.
"I'm fine."
He raised his voice slightly.
"Theo. Take him to the hospital."
"Yes, sir."
Theo stepped forward, lifted Julian like he weighed nothing, and carried him out.
I stayed where I was, staring at the blood left behind. My chest felt tight. My thoughts spiraled. Lewis must have sensed it because he pulled me into his arms.
